The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1887-05-04
A Trip to Florida.

Flowers =" we exclaimed, as, landing
on the wharf at Fernandina, misty
landscape Of waiting drays, floating
drift-wood, and tall masts met our
eyes. Yes, this is really Florida; and
soon, speeding along in the train en-
route for Jacksonville, we feel by the
increasing heat that we are approach
ing somewhat nearer to the region OF
perpetual summer. In few hours
the city is reached; the pretty streets
and sunny skies, and, above all, the
white robes and straw hats, make a
pleasing contrast to the fogs and clouds
and dark raiment we have left behind
us. But oh !! in the windows: alliga-
tors everywhere, living and dead,
croaking and silent; sharks tooth
Iiewelry in abundance; and the most
beautiful shell-ornaments, delicate,
transparent almost, fairy-like in con-
struction. But the alligators, the poor
little alligators what horrible life
they must lead, cooped up in small
glass cases, with so little water to play
about in no wonder they look sleepy
and dull.
After while we leave the sight-see-
ing, and going down to some old
wGarves find crowds of pretty, green
row-boats there, and soon are "bound-
ing over the billow," that is, quietly
rowing across the st. Johns, with the
occasional variety Of tumbling about
in the billows made by some big steam
er. Oh! it was delightful ! beautiful
scenery along the banks, here and
there handsome plantations, and
again, old rotten landing-piaces ex-
tending way out into the river. But
the sun was hot and the return jour-
ney seemed very long, still, we would
not have missed that row for good
deal, even if our faces were dreadfully
sun-burned.
In the afternoon we enjoyed pleas
ant drive around the city; there are
several handsome hotels, of quite an
imposing appearance; and the streets
look busy and flourishing; the pretty,
fresh-looking cottages that lined the
road to the country were very interest
ing in their many shapes and colors :
here a gay Queen Anne in dark-red
trimmed with light green and stray
touches of yellow; there a stately
brown stone, with lofty tower. Trees,
too, bordered the sidewalks and SEEM
ed very shady and inviting, and were
q great relief from the broad glare of
the sunlight. Towards evening the
whole population appeared to have
turned out, some in carriages, but
many on foot, and by the bright cleo
trio light made quite gay and festive
scene.
The next day we crossed the river
and entered the train bound for St.
Augustine. We waited, and waited,
and waited, and still we were in the
depot; at length, more passengers ar
rived, and after a little more waiting
we were really off: Truly these Flori-
da trains seem to travel at their own
sweet will and pleasure, and never to
start till they feel like it.
And now we are in st. Augustine,
the oldest town on the sca-coast. Here
are the famous city gates--tall, quaint
and grey-with little windows or loop
holes peeping out from the queer stone.
What sights they must have seen,
those old city gates! the stout Span
lard in breastplate and helmet, the ma
tive Indian coming TO trade there, the
long lines Of slaves marching wearily
into the city; and then, the later gen.
erations, with new fashions and GUS
toms.
Further on, standing distinctly out
lined against the beautiful blue back
ground of sky and sea, is Fort Marion.
Growing q gentle slope, the green
grass growing around it, and water
rippling near, it looks indeed like an
old head on young shoulders the ir-
regular walls, the tiny towers at each
corner, the army tents tall and white
within it, the Indians in their bright
costumes gathered round it, form a
picture not soon TO be forgotten. On
the grass, little Apache boys are play
ing with bows and arrows; some of
the children with no clothing i'll par
ticular and black hair flying wild /;
others, dressed like any civilized little
American. On the top of the slope,
close by the fort gates, are group of
women, radiant in bright red and
green and yellow, with long strings of
gay beads hanging from their hair
these are busy tratlicking with some
ladies and gentlemen who look very
summcr-likc in straw hats and white
garments.
And now, driving by the side of the
broad sea-wall, we see on the island
opposite (Anastasia Island) the queer
colored lighthouse, looking at that
distance like rather large stick of
chocolate candy, or barber's pole.
Down this narrow street, about as
wide as an ordinary sidewalk, we
catch glimpses of the high walls that
the Spaniards deemed necessary to Sc
clude their dwellings from public
view. Here, it is said, is the Oldest
house in st. Augustine; but, being
painted over in modern colors, it has
lost all the charm of age, and only the
remains of large palmetto that leans
forward into the street like crane, at
tracts the notice of the passer-by. And
now we have reached some handsome
modern houses, shaded and comforta-
BILE looking; and there, there is beau
tiful little model of q Moorish palace :
the strange designing and ornamental
ton, the queer characters over the
door, the delicate tracery Of the ar
cadcs within, the tairy-like appear
ance of the whole, made us wonder if
we arc not in old Gemada or some
quaint Moorish towE. And see!
through that wild wilderness, rises a
tall, stately house, Drowned with age
does fairy princess dwell within it,
q sleeping beauty waiting for some
courageous knight to thread the mazcs
of the wood, and break the long ell
chantment? many romance, per-
chance q dread tragedy even, may
hang about that aged dwelling. But
there is place of stern reality, of aw-